Optical fiber plug

ABSTRACT

An optical fiber connector plug for an optical fiber connection comprises a connecting portion including a rear entry at a first end and a first fiber stub exit opening to a first fiber stub channel. The first fiber stub exit is parallel to a second fiber stub exit opening to a second fiber stub channel. The first and second fiber stub exits are formed opposite the first end. The rear entry divides at a junction into a first fiber groove and a second, diverging fiber groove. The connecting portion includes crimp elements each having an open-ended bore. Each crimp element contains an optical fiber stub. A molded top attached to the connecting portion includes a substantially rectangular opening. The opening contains a compression element that moves to form splices by capturing a stripped optical fiber and an optical fiber stub in each of the crimp elements. A bend relief boot encloses the connecting portion at one end, while a shroud releasably engages it at the other end.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to devices for preparing and terminatingoptical fibers for interconnection in telecommunications networks usingplug and socket assemblies that align the optical fibers for optimalsignal transmission without the use of ferrules. More particularly, thepresent invention facilitates field processing of one or more cleavedand polished bare fiber ends using an apparatus for temporarycontainment during suitable preparation of terminal portions of opticalfiber cables for field installation into the plug portion of an opticalfiber plug and receptacle connector.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] The use of optical fibers in telecommunications networks offersthe advantage of broader bandwidth when compared to the copper wiresystems that have dominated this industry. Today's high speed,bandwidth-intensive computing environments provide justification forincreased use of optical fiber cables. The demand for optical fiber isexpected to increase as transmission protocols reach higher and higherspeeds and bandwidth requirements continue to grow. Until recently, costwas a deterrent to the use of optical fiber systems. The impact of costhas become less severe because of improvement in the supportingelectronics and optical communications infrastructure. In addition, anincrease in the volume of optical fiber production has driven down thecost of optical fiber components and devices. Optical fiber systems willbecome the preferred choice as component and installation costs approachparity with copper wire systems.

[0005] As with copper wire, it is necessary to provide means forinterconnection and termination of optical fibers. Interconnection ofoptical fibers may be achieved by a number of methods including themethods of splicing and connecting. A splice is generally understood tobe the formation of a permanent connection between a pair of opticalfibers. The act of connecting optical fibers requires a device, i.e. aconnector that facilitates repeated engagement and disengagement ofoptical fibers. An optical fiber connector, for one or more opticalfibers, typically includes a plug portion and a receptacle or socketportion. Insertion of the plug portion into the receptacle portionprovides interconnection for optical signal transmission between opticalfibers. During the mating of a plug portion with a receptacle portion ofan optical fiber connector, there is the need to provide accurate axialalignment of lengths of optical fiber for the number of optical fiberscontained within each plug or receptacle. One requirement of an opticalfiber connector is the joining together of lengths of optical fibers soaligned that light energy will propagate from one fiber to the otherwithout insertion loss that may be observed as an appreciable lightattenuation. To reduce insertion loss at the point of optical fiberconnection, it is necessary to have precise registration and abuttingfiber contact across the entire end of each optical fiber end face.

[0006] A broad range of devices exist for connecting and aligningoptical fibers, whether the connection includes only a pair of opticalfibers, i.e. one optical fiber in both the plug and receptacle portionof the optical fiber connector, or two or more fiber pairs. The majorityof connectors include ferrules that rely on alignment of the outersurface of each ferrule to provide fiber alignment during termination,polishing and a positioning of each optical fiber end in an opticalfiber connector.

[0007] A relatively recent development in optical fiber interconnectiondevices eliminates the need for ferrule-terminated optical fibers. Thesealternate plug and socket connectors use fiber guiding V-grooves toalign cleaved and polished end portions of stripped optical fibers foroptimum signal transmission. Connector assemblies using V-grooves foroptical fiber alignment are adaptable to the needs of simplex (onefiber), duplex (two fibers), and multiplex (two or more fibers)connectors. They also offer advantages over ferrule-terminated opticalfibers such as fewer component parts, smaller size and convenientassembly.

[0008] Further discussion emphasizes connector assemblies using V-groovealignment of optical fibers that undergo repeated engagement anddisengagement. U.S. Pat. No. 5,381,498 describes a modular, multi-fiberconnector comprising a plug and receptacle having an appearance similarto a conventional RJ 45 jack for copper conductors. The plug includes abody having a surface with several grooves that position and limitmovement of otherwise free end portions of optical fibers. Fibers insidethe receptacle are free to move into the grooves inside the plug bodyand into forcible abutment with the terminal ends of the plug fibersduring insertion of the plug through an opening in the body of thereceptacle. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,757,997 and 6,026,210 and related patents,for example, describe subsequent development of connectors usingV-groove alignment of optical fibers. These later versions of opticalfiber connectors include features such as internal fiber splices usingcrimp elements, similar to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,477,and optical fiber holders of the type described in U.S. Pat. No.6,078,719. Optical fiber holders become permanently applied around oneor more optical fibers during fiber preparation using a device thatcleaves stripped terminal portions of one or more optical fibers to alength determined by the dimensions of the optical fiber receptacle. Thecleaving process has the capability for precise cleaving and polishingto produce multiple optical fibers having substantially the same length.U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,902, and 6,099,392 further describe systems andprocesses for cleaving and polishing terminal portions of optical fibersprior to assembly of connector receptacles or sockets in the field.

[0009] Implementation of optical fiber cable networks using cableinterconnection based upon V-groove connectors requires fieldtermination for either a connector receptacle or a connector plug orboth. Field installation of optical fiber cables employs known methodsfor applying a receptacle or socket to a stripped end portion of one ormore optical fibers. The lack of a corresponding method for fieldinstallation of connector plugs limits field-termination capability tooptical fiber cables having a connector receptacle at each end. Thislimitation restricts optical fiber cable interconnection to a singleoption in which field-terminated cables, having connector receptacles atboth ends, alternate with factory terminated cables, having connectorplugs on both ends. Factory production of connector plug terminatedoptical fiber cables typically provides a limited variety of standardcable lengths. The use of pre-terminated standard lengths of opticalfiber cable prevents the use of normal methods for installing opticalfiber cable by pulling it through cable ducts or the like beforeapplying connector plugs and sockets for interconnecting lengths ofcable. Pre-terminated, factory assembled, optical fiber cables addexpense and require more cable duct space than conventional cablesystems. Reliance on standard lengths of terminated cables also deniesthe advantage of efficient use of space associated with custominstallations. To provide more options and to facilitate installation ofcustom cable networks, there is a need for field installable opticalfiber connector plugs so that cable network installers may choosewhether to terminate a particular cable with either a connector plug ora connector socket.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention provides an apparatus used during cleavingand polishing of optical fibers to be inserted into a connector plugbody that accommodates one or more optical fibers. Connector plugsaccording to the present invention include several different embodimentshaving design features that facilitate preparation and insertion andsplicing of optical fibers by a person who is relatively unskilled as anassembler of optical fiber connector components. Optical fiber insertionmay be done by hand as a field operation requiring only the use of acrimp tool, for crimp element closure, to secure and retain one or morespliced optical fibers inside a connector plug.

[0011] Field installation of optical fiber connector plugs, inconjunction with the previously discussed field installable receptacles,offers several benefits including convenience, development of customnetwork segments, and the opportunity to order bulk supplies, ratherthan an array of standard components. These benefits could contribute toa reduction of optical fiber cable network installation costs.

[0012] The use of connector plugs and processes according to the presentinvention with previously available field installable sockets isconvenient because it moves optical fiber termination from thecontrolled assembly environment of the factory to the field locationwhere actual installation requirements are more clearly seen. Given theopportunity to construct cable systems to match the needs of aparticular installation, an assembler is no longer limited to usingfactory terminated, standard cable lengths but has the advantage ofcustom building interconnecting cables. Custom interconnecting cablesmay be prepared using bulk optical fiber cable and connector componentsthat may prove to be a less expensive option than reliance onsupplier-determined, standard lengths of plug terminated cables. Fieldtermination of connector plugs allows cable installers to return to moreconventional methods of network installation.

[0013] The present invention includes an article used in the process ofcleaving and polishing the ends of optical fibers before terminationinside a connector plug or socket of an optical fiber connectorassembly. An optical fiber connector assembly includes a connector plugand socket having V-grooves, rather than ferrules, for aligning cleavedand polished ends of terminal portions of optical signal-carryingoptical fibers.

[0014] Articles for preparing optical fibers for termination arereferred to herein as “pucks” for cleaving and polishing optical fiberends. Initial preparation of a cable, containing one or more individualoptical fibers, requires that the sheath and buffer layers be strippedfrom a generous terminal portion of each optical fiber.

[0015] A puck, as described herein, has a design with enough room toaccommodate a single optical fiber or multiple fibers simultaneouslyduring the process of optical fiber cleaving and polishing. Simultaneousprocessing of multiple fibers produces cleaved and polished opticalfiber ends on stripped terminal fiber portions of equal and preciselycontrolled length. The length requirements match those needed foroptimum fiber positioning after insertion into the body of any of theembodiments of optical fiber connector plugs according to the presentinvention.

[0016] The process of cleaving and polishing the ends of optical fibersincludes temporary insertion of stripped optical fiber terminal portionsinto a fiber holder that includes a spring clamp. Preparation forcleaving of optical fiber ends requires placement of the fiber holder ina recess in the puck so that short lengths of one or more optical fibersextend from the holder to pass through openings in a guide plateopposite a holder entry port that receives a portion of un-strippedoptical fiber cable. Correct positioning of the holder in the recessplaces the jacketed cable, exiting the holder entry port, in a groove inthe puck. A hinged lid, attached to the puck, closes over the holder andthe jacketed optical fiber cable to grip the cable and actuate thespring clamp in the holder. A latching mechanism secures the hinged lidto the body of the puck preventing movement of either the un-stripped,jacketed cable or the stripped optical fiber terminal portions duringcleaving of optical fiber ends. After loading and securing the holderand the optical fiber cable in the puck, cleaving of immobilized opticalfibers produces optical fiber terminal portions of precise and equallength based upon the design and dimensions of the puck. The guide platehas a shape for mating in a required, fixed orientation with a groove ina cleaving and polishing device. After correct positioning of the puck,using the guide plate, stripped optical fibers, extending from the guideplate, are essentially perpendicular to a cleaving blade of the cleavingand polishing device. Smooth movement of the puck past the cleavingblade produces one or more cleaved optical fibers that optionally haveslightly angled end faces at an angle of 10° or less. Slightly angledand polished optical fiber end faces have been shown to provide opticalsplices that transmit optical signals with less signal attenuation thanoptical splices in which the polished end faces are substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber.

[0017] The puck may be removed from the cleaving section of the cleavingand polishing device and, while still in the puck, and with the lid inits latched position, the cleaved optical fiber ends may be polishedagainst a polishing strip using several repetitions of a rubbing motion.Cleaning of the fiber ends, after polishing, may be required, usingconventional cleaning materials and methods, including liquid spraycleaning, to remove accumulated debris that could obscure the fiber endface causing optical signal attenuation. Thereafter, pivoting the guideplate, unlatching the hinged lid, lifting the jacketed cable and fiberholder, and separating the two main parts of the temporary holderreleases the stripped, cleaved and polished optical fibers from thepuck.

[0018] Field assembly of a connector plug involves the relatively simpleprocess of inserting one or more optical fibers into one side of crimpelements. The crimp elements have limited movement in elongatedepressions formed in the floor of the molded base of any one of severalembodiments of connector plugs according to the present invention.Connector plugs may be used with single optical fibers, but preferablythe plug has a design to accommodate two or more optical fibers. Mostpreferably the plug may be used as a duplex plug, for two optical fiberscontained in a single-jacketed cable. Each optical fiber enters itsassigned crimp element to the point at which it contacts the cleaved andpolished face of an optical fiber stub that was factory installed at theopposite end of the crimp element. A crimp element has a size andinternal design to provide accurate alignment, orientation and facialcontact between each newly cleaved optical fiber end and each opticalfiber stub. Interfacial contact for optimum signal transmission throughmulti-fiber connector plugs relies upon the equal length of the opticalfiber terminal portions, having slightly angled, cleaved and polishedend faces, and the precise positioning of the crimp elements within theconnector plug. After achieving the desired positioning and alignment,the newly cleaved fiber ends may be secured in the crimp elements usinga crimping tool, also referred to herein as a compression cap.

[0019] Optical signal transmission relies upon accurate alignment fullsurface contact of the slightly angled ends of optical fibers andoptical fiber stubs spliced together using crimp elements as describedpreviously. Other features of connector plugs according to the presentinvention facilitate insertion of one or more optical fibers into thebody of a connector plug and allow component size reduction, whichresults in optical fiber cable installations requiring less space orcontaining increased numbers of plug and socket connections.

[0020] More particularly the present invention provides an article fortemporarily retaining an optical fiber cable including a strippedterminal portion of at least one optical fiber requiring cleavingfollowed by polishing of an end face thereof. The article comprises ahousing having a recess for a demountable optical fiber holder. Ademountable optical fiber holder includes a base-plate having at least afirst fiber channel formed therein to receive the stripped portion ofthe at least one optical fiber. The base plate has a number of pockets.A cover plate for the demountable optical fiber holder includes a springclamp, at least a first upper channel and a number of posts to mate withthe pockets of the base-plate to assemble the demountable optical fiberholder. The article further includes a guide plate attached at thedistal end of the housing to pivot between a first pivot position and asecond pivot position. The guide plate has at least one opening for thestripped portion of the at least one optical fiber. A rotatable lidattached to the housing rotates between an open position and a closedposition. The lid includes a latch and a pressure bar, with the latchengaging the housing to bias the pressure bar against the spring clampto hold the optical fiber immobile between the spring clamp and at leastthe first fiber channel when the demountable holder resides in therecess. The article temporarily retains the optical fiber cable forcleaving and polishing the end face thereof when the lid is closed.

[0021] The present invention also provides an optical fiber connectorplug for mating with an optical fiber receptacle to form an opticalfiber connection. The optical fiber connector plug comprises aconnecting portion comprising a containment body including a rear entryat a first end and a first fiber stub exit opening to a first fiber stubchannel. The first fiber stub exit is parallel to a second fiber stubexit opening to a second fiber stub channel. The first and second fiberstub exits are formed at a second end opposite the first end of thecontainment body. The rear entry divides at a junction into a firstfiber groove and a second fiber groove that diverges from the firstfiber groove. The containment body includes first and second crimpelements each having an open-ended bore coaxial with the first andsecond fiber grooves. Each crimp element contains a optical fiber stub.A molded top attached to the containment body includes a substantiallyrectangular opening. The opening contains a compression element thatmoves between a first position and a second position to apply force tothe first crimp element and the second crimp element. In its first andsecond positions the compression element first adjusts each bore andthen forms splices by capturing a stripped, cleaved and polished endportion of an optical fiber and an optical fiber stub in each of thecrimp elements. A bend relief boot encloses the connecting portion atone end, while a shroud releasably engages it at the other end.

[0022] The present invention further provides an optical fiber connectorplug for mating with an optical fiber receptacle to form an opticalfiber connection. The optical fiber connector plug comprises aconnecting portion comprising a containment body including a rear entryat a first end and a first fiber stub exit opening to a first fiber stubchannel. The first fiber stub exit is parallel to a second fiber stubexit opening to a second fiber stub channel. The first and second fiberstub exits are formed at a second end opposite the first end of thecontainment body. An optical fiber connector plug according to thepresent invention includes a holder for permanent retention of at leastone stripped, cleaved and polished end portion of a an optical fiber.The holder has a size for insertion into the rear entry of thecontainment body. The containment body includes first and second crimpelements each having an open-ended bore coaxial with the fiber stubchannels. Each crimp element contains a optical fiber stub. A molded topattached to the containment body includes a substantially rectangularopening. The opening contains a compression element that moves between afirst position and a second position to apply force to the first crimpelement and the second crimp element. In its first and second positionsthe compression element first adjusts each bore and then forms splicesby capturing a stripped, cleaved and polished end portion of an opticalfiber and an optical fiber stub in each of the crimp elements. A bendrelief boot encloses the connecting portion at one end, while a shroudreleasably engages it at the other end.

[0023] According to the present invention a process may be used forfield terminating at least one optical fiber in an optical fiberconnector plug. The process comprises a number of steps includingproviding an article for retaining an optical fiber cable. The articlecomprises a housing having a recess for an optical fiber holder. Thearticle further includes a guide plate attached at the end of thehousing to pivot between a first pivot position and a second pivotposition. The guide plate has at least one opening for a strippedportion of at least one optical fiber. A rotatable lid attached to thehousing rotates between an open position and a closed position. Thearticle temporarily retains the optical fiber cable for cleaving andpolishing the end face of the optical fiber when the lid is closed. Theguide plate engages a cleaving device for cleaving at least one opticalfiber. This is followed by polishing the end face of the at least onecleaved fiber end to provide a stripped, cleaved and polished endportion of at least one optical fiber. Removal of the optical fibercable and the demountable optical fiber holder from the article precedesrelease of the stripped, cleaved and polished end portion of the atleast one optical fiber from the optical fiber holder. The optical cableis then terminated by inserting the stripped, cleaved and polished endportion of at least one optical fiber into an optical fiber connectorplug that has a connecting portion using crimp elements to splice thestripped, cleaved and polished end portions of optical fibers to opticalfiber stubs located at the front of a connector plug. After completingsplices applying a bend relief boot to enclose one end of the connectingportion and engaging a shroud over the other end provides at least oneoptical fiber terminated by an optical fiber connector plug according tothe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Notwithstanding any other forms, which may fall within the scopeor the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now bedescribed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

[0025]FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an apparatus, referred toherein as a puck that contains optical fibers during cleaving andpolishing.

[0026]FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a fiber receiving plate of anoptical fiber holder having a pair of stripped optical fibers positionedtherein.

[0027]FIG. 3 is a plan view of a cover plate of an optical fiber holderaccording to the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an optical fiber holder assembled tocontain at least one optical fiber.

[0029]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an apparatus, used to containoptical fibers during cleaving and polishing, showing positioning of anoptical fiber holder and jacketed optical fiber cable.

[0030]FIG. 6 is a cross sectional side view showing the closed andlatched position of an apparatus used to contain optical fibers duringcleaving and polishing.

[0031]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of aconnector plug designed to contain optical fibers.

[0032]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a connector plug according to thepresent invention.

[0033]FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of aconnector plug including an insertion slot to facilitate positioning ofoptical fibers in the connector plug body.

[0034]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pre-assembled connectingportion of a connector plug according to the present invention.

[0035]FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a pre-assembled connectingportion of a connector plug including an insertion slot andpre-installed optical fiber stubs.

[0036]FIG. 12 provides a schematic plan view of a fiber containment bodyof a connector plug showing relative positioning of a compressionelement and crimp elements used to form crimp splices during terminationof optical fiber cables.

[0037]FIG. 13 is a cutaway perspective view showing a pre-assembledconnecting portion of a connector including a latch to retain theconnector plug in contact with the connector receptacle of an opticalfiber connecting assembly.

[0038]FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of aconnector plug including a fiber positioner to facilitate positioning ofoptical fibers in a connector plug body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] The following description provides information of severalvarieties of optical fiber connector plugs and an apparatus, referred toherein as a puck, for use in cleaving and polishing ends of strippedoptical fibers to be installed in selected connector plugs. In eachcase, the puck and connector plugs are adapted particularly for fielduse and assembly to facilitate convenient custom installation of opticalcable networks. Optical fiber connector plugs, described herein, are ofthe type that use V-grooves to position and align terminal portions ofthe optical fibers. Figures presented herein are not necessarily toscale, some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details ofparticular components. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butmerely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentinvention.

[0040] Referring now to the figures wherein like numbers refer to likeparts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 is a schematic plan viewshowing an article referred to in the industry as a puck 10 or polishingpuck for use with an optical fiber cleaving and polishing apparatus. Thepuck 10 is shown in its open position. It includes a housing 12 sized toreceive a multi-fiber cable 14 prepared for cleaving of one or morestripped optical fibers 16. Optionally, the puck 10 may be designed tocontain single jacketed fibers or several jacketed fibers placed side byside in the puck 10. Preparation of the cable 14 requires removal ofoptical fiber sheath and buffer layers from each optical fiber 16contained by the optical fiber cable 14. Removal of the protectivesheath and buffer layers exposes stripped optical fibers 16 havingsufficient length for insertion into an optical fiber holder 18 so thatthe optical fibers 16 pass through fiber channels 34, 36 (see FIG. 2)and protrude from the other side of the fiber holder 18 until the outerjacket of the cable 14 abuts a cable stop 44 (see FIG. 3) in the entryport 20 of the holder 18. In an optional embodiment of the holder 18,the fiber channels 34, 36 vary in width along their length in such a waythat the a proximal portion of the fiber channels 34, 36, adjacent tothe sheathed cable 14, has a width sufficient to accommodate a buffercovered optical fiber 16. Beyond the proximal portion, a distal portionof the fiber channels 34, 36 narrows to only the width of an opticalfiber 16 that has been stripped of both sheath and buffer layers. Thetransition point between the proximal and distal portions of the fiberchannels 34, 36 forms a buffer stop preventing movement of opticalfibers 16 through the fiber channels 34, 36 of the holder 18 when thelead edge of a buffered optical fiber 16 encounters the buffer stop. Anoptional transition plate, machined or molded to provide a buffer stop,may be joined to the end of the holder 18, opposite the entry port 20,so that it aligns with the fiber channels 34, 36. Correct positioning ofoptical fibers 16 in the holder 18 may be achieved, during threading ofoptical fibers 16, by interference of the jacketed cable with the cablestop 44, by contact of buffer covered fibers 16 with buffer stops, or bythe combined effect of both.

[0041] After preparation for temporary attachment of the two-partoptical fiber holder 18, the optical fiber cable 14 may be installedresting on a resilient pad 21 in an opening 22 in the housing 12. InFIG. 1 the fiber holder 18 occupies a recess (not clearly shown)adjacent to a guide plate 24 having a size and shape for orientation ofthe puck 10 in a cleaving and polishing apparatus used to produceend-polished optical fibers 16 of precisely cleaved length. It isimportant that the cable 14 and optical fiber holder 18 be held in afixed position during cleaving of the optical fibers 16. For thispurpose a rotatable lid 26, attached to the housing 12 by a hinge 28,closes over the housing 12 so that the cable 14 and optical fiber holder18 become immovably trapped between the lid 26 and the housing 12.

[0042]FIG. 2 shows the structure of the base-plate 30 of a two-part,demountable optical fiber holder 18. The base-plate includes the lowerhalf 32 of the cable entry port 20 that provides access to a first fiberchannel 34 and a second fiber channel 36. When installed in the opticalfiber holder 18, stripped optical fibers 16 are separated intoindividual strands that each have sufficient length to occupy one of thechannels 34, 36 and extend beyond the end of the holder 18 opposite theentry port 20. The base-plate 30 includes a number of pockets 38 tofacilitate sliding engagement of a cover-plate 40 with the base-plate30.

[0043]FIG. 3 shows the structure of the underside of a cover-plate 40that is the second part of a demountable optical fiber holder 18according to the present invention. The cover-plate 40 includes theupper half 42 of the entry port 20 that has a cable stop 44 to limit theamount of the jacket of the optical fiber cable 14 that enters theassembled fiber holder 18. A first upper channel 46 and a second upperchannel 48 have axial alignment with the first fiber channel 34 and thesecond fiber channel 36 to enclose the stripped optical fibers 16 whenthe cover-plate 40 engages the base-plate 30. Engagement of these twoparts 30, 40 occurs when posts 50 slide into the pockets 38 in thebase-plate 30 to produce an assembled optical fiber holder 18. Animportant feature of an optical fiber holder 18 according to the presentinvention is a spring clamp 52 integrally formed with the cover-plate 40to flex towards the optical fibers 16 to immovably clamp them in thefiber channels 34, 36 during application of a biasing force. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, the spring clamp 52 is a T-shaped cantilever thatincludes a fiber contact bar 53 on one surface and a compression bar 54(see FIG. 4) on the surface opposite the contact bar 53.

[0044]FIG. 4 shows an assembled optical fiber holder 18 applied to anend of an optical fiber cable 14 with stripped optical fibers 16protruding from the optical fiber holder 18. Although describedpreviously with reference to the separated components, the optical fiberholder 18 is typically assembled and placed in the recess of the puck 10before threading the stripped fibers 16 through the holder 18.

[0045] The process of attaching a fiber holder 18 to an optical fibercable 14 requires first removal of the jacket from the cable 14 followedby stripping of the sheath and buffer from a length of each individualoptical fiber 16 that exceeds the length dimension of the optical fiberholder 18. Stripped optical fibers 16 reach their positions inside thefiber holder 18 by inserting the optical fibers 16 into the entry port20 of an assembled holder 18 and gently guiding them through thechannels 34,48; 36,46 so that they pass the spring clamp 52 to protrudebeyond the end of the holder 18. Movement of the optical fibers 16through the channels 34,48; 36,46 ceases when the jacket of themulti-fiber cable 14 encounters the cable stop 44 inside the cable entryport 20, or the buffered fiber encounters the buffer stop. Consistentpositioning of the optical fiber cables 14 against the cable stop 44(see FIG. 3) or buffer stop results in cleaving of stripped opticalfibers 16 to precise, consistent length.

[0046]FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the relative positioning ofan optical fiber holder 18 and the terminal portion of an optical fibercable 14 inside the housing of a puck 10 according to the presentinvention. The optical fiber holder 18 fits into a recess (not clearlyshown) and the cable 14, extending from the fiber holder entry port 20,rests against a resilient pad 21 residing in the opening 22 to supportthe optical fiber cable 14. Stripped optical fibers 16, extending fromthe optical fiber holder 18, protrude through openings in the guideplate 24 in a position for cleaving level with the front surface of theguide plate 24 after latching of the lid 26 of the puck 10. Pressureapplied to the compression bar 54 of the spring clamp 52 will move thecontact bar 53 (not shown) into a gripping relationship with the opticalfibers 16 holding them in a fixed position during cleaving.

[0047] The rotatable lid 26 includes a pressure bar 56 and a pressureplate 58 that apply pressure against the optical fiber holder 18 and theoptical fiber cable 14 when the lid 26 is rotated about the hinge 28 forlatching against the housing 12. Any number of latching mechanisms maybe used to effectively retain the rotatable lid 26 in contact with thehousing 12. As illustrated, in FIG. 5, a latch 60 includes an elongatebar having a hooked edge 62. In its fully closed position, the hookededge 62 of the rotatable lid 26 grips ledge segments 64 molded into thehousing 12 of the puck 10. The pressure bar 56 and the pressure plate 58of the closed and latched lid 26 exert pressure against the compressionbar 54 of the spring clamp 52 and optical fiber cable 14 respectively insuch a way that the cable 14 becomes immobilized between the pressureplate 58 and the pad 21 and the stripped optical fibers 16 become fixedin the fiber channels 34, 36 using the force transmitted from thecompression bar 54 through the spring clamp 52 to the contact bar 53.

[0048]FIG. 6 is a side cross sectional view showing a puck 10 in itsclosed position wherein a terminal portion of an optical fiber cable 14and a demountable optical fiber holder 18 have been releasably securedin preparation for cleaving the excess length from the optical fibers 16protruding from the openings in the guide plate 24 of the puck 10.

[0049] The process of cleaving and polishing, described below, ispresented in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,392 that is commonlyowned with the present application. One result of the cleaving andpolishing process is the production of polished end faces on multipleoptical fibers of which the stripped terminal portions have been cleavedto be of equal length. A puck 10 or polishing puck according to thepresent invention uses the guide plate 24 as a mating component thatseats in a pair of opposing tracks of an optical fiber cleaving andpolishing device described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,392. Between the guidetracks, a groove provides space to accommodate the excess lengths ofoptical fiber 16 extending from the openings in the guide plate 24 whenit slides in the tracks. As the polishing puck 10 slides along the guidetracks it approaches and contacts a sharpened edge where cleaving of thefibers 16 occurs. The guide tracks of the cleaving and polishing deviceextend a short distance beyond the sharpened edge before releasing thepuck 10. This maintains the orientation of the guide plate 24 for ashort distance beyond the point of cleaving of the fibers 16.

[0050] It is known that several measurable parameters of an opticalfiber end face affect the quality of signal transmission of an opticalfiber connection. Such parameters include the angle of the optical fiberend face and its planarity and surface smoothness. End-face angle isimportant for full face-to-face contact between spliced or connectedoptical fibers. Surface roughness and lack of surface planarity alsointerfere with contact between end faces of spliced or connected opticalfibers.

[0051] Earlier evidence suggested the need for an end face at an angleof 90° to the optical fiber axis. According to the present invention,after satisfying planarity and surface smoothness requirements, afurther improvement of signal transmission is possible when the angle ofthe end face to the optical fiber axis is slightly more than 90°.Expressed in terms of angular deviation from perpendicular to the fiberaxis, evidence shows that an end face angle less than about 10° andpreferably 8° provides signal improvement with less attenuation. Endface angle adjustment depends upon the construction of the puck 10 usedfor preparing terminal portions of stripped optical fibers 16 accordingto the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, the guide plate 24 isattached to pivot relative to the housing 12 using a pivot mechanismthat includes a hook 25 in frictional contact with a pivot post 27. Thepivot mechanism allows movement of the guide plate 24 between a closedposition, as shown in FIG. 6, and an open position in which the guideplate 24 releases the optical fiber ends from the openings they occupiedduring cleaving and polishing. In its closed position, the angle of theguide plate 24 to the axis of the optical fibers 16 differs fromperpendicular by the desired amount less than 10°. Positioning of theguide plate 24 in the guide tracks, of the cleaving and polishingdevice, determines the angle between the optical fibers 16 and thesharpened edge at the point of cleavage. It will be appreciated that theangle of cleavage can be changed depending on the position and angle ofthe guide plate 24 to the axis of the optical fibers 16.

[0052] After passing the sharpened edge and releasing from the guidetracks of the cleaving device, the exposed surface of the guide plate 24stabilizes the orientation of the cleaved end faces of the opticalfibers 16 against a lapping surface provided with the cleaving andpolishing device. Movement of the puck 10 against the lapping surface,using several strokes of a pre-determined pattern, causes smoothing andpolishing of the cleaved end faces of the optical fibers 16.

[0053] Completion of the cleaving and polishing process provides one ormore optical fibers 16 of prescribed length and having a polished endface. The puck 10 contains a pair of optical fibers 16 that have beenprepared to have equal length. Thus prepared, the optical fibers 16 maybe released from the openings in the guide plate 24 by pivoting theguide plate 24 away from the housing 12. The cable 14 may be removedfrom the puck 10, with the holder 18 attached, after the lid 26 has beenunlatched and rotated away from the housing 12. With removal of thejacketed cable from the resilient pad 21, the holder 18 may be liftedout of the recess. The cover plate 40 may be separated from thebase-plate 30 of the demountable holder 18 by withdrawing the posts 50of the cover plate 40 from the pockets 38 formed in the base plate 30.This provides a jacketed optical fiber cable 14 having an end portionfrom which the jacket was removed for preparation of bare end portionsof optical fibers 16 that, after preparation by cleaving and polishing,are of substantially equal length and have polished end faces forsubstantially full-face contact with end faces of pre-installed opticalfiber stubs in e.g. connector plugs according to the present invention.

[0054]FIG. 7 provides an exploded perspective view of an optical fiberconnector plug 70 according to the present invention including aterminal portion of an optical fiber cable 14 showing two stripped,cleaved and polished optical fibers 16 of selected, equal length as theywould appear following preparation using a puck 10 and a cleaving andpolishing device, as described previously. The use of fibers 16 of equallength provides the key to field assembly of optical fiber connectorplugs 70 for optimum signal transmission. A molded connecting portion 72includes additional features and components that further increase theprobability of optimal field assembly of a connector plug 70 accordingto the present invention. A connecting portion 72 comprises a fibercontainment body 74 including a structured floor 76 having a rear entry78, extending to a junction 80 of a first fiber groove 82 and a secondfiber groove 84. The grooves 82, 84 have a height slightly greater thanthe diameter of a buffer coated optical fiber 16 and extend on divergingpaths into a central region of the fiber containment body 74 beforeterminating at a first elongate depression 85 and a second elongatedepression 87, which act as seats for a first crimp element 86 and asecond crimp element 88 respectively. Each of the crimp elements 86, 88has limited movement in an elongate depression 85, 87 in the floor 76 ofthe fiber containment body 74. Correct positioning in each elongatedepression 85, 87 provides alignment of the longitudinal axes of thecrimp elements 86, 88 and the respective grooves 82, 84 used to guidethe optical fibers 16 into the crimp elements 86, 88.

[0055] The end of the fiber containment body 74 opposite the rear entry78 includes a first fiber stub exit 90 parallel to and separated from asecond fiber stub exit 92. Each fiber stub exit 90, 92 accommodates afactory installed optical fiber stub 94, 96 inserted into a stub channel95, 97 that leads to the front end 98, 100 of a crimp element 86, 88.After insertion of equal amounts of fiber stubs 94, 96 into the frontends 98, 100 of the crimp elements 86, 88, approximately one half of thelength of the bore of each of the crimp elements 86, 88 contains aportion of an optical fiber stub 94, 96 adhesively secured in anadhesive open-ended tray 99 adjacent to the front ends 98, 100 of thecrimp elements 86, 88.

[0056] A molded top 110 placed over the fiber containment body 74completes a pre-assembled connecting portion 72 prepared for insertionof the cleaved and stripped end portions of an optical fiber cable 14.The underside of the molded top 110 has no fiber channels matching those82, 84 formed in the fiber containment body 74. A rectangular hole 112in the molded top 110 accommodates a compression element 114 designed toclose the crimp elements 86, 88 between their front ends 98, 100 andrear ends 102, 104 during the formation of crimp splices of opticalfibers 16 to optical fiber stubs 94, 96. The compression element 114occupies two positions relative to the crimp elements 86, 88. In itsfirst or fiber-load position the compression element 114 passes throughthe rectangular hole 112 into a gripping relationship with the crimpelements 86, 88 to narrow the bore of each crimp elements 86, 88.Narrowing of the bore of each crimp element 86, 88 provides enough spacefor sliding entry of the ends of the optical fibers 16 but preventsescape of the optical fibers 16 through the side openings of the crimpelements 86, 88. Application of force moves the compression element 114to its second or crimp position further inside the rectangular hole 112.Raised features on the inner face of the compression element 114 apply alateral force to the sides of the crimp elements 86, 88 as thecompression element 114 moves to its crimp-position. Application oflateral force further narrows the bore of each crimp element 86, 88 toform a crimped splice that secures the ends of the optical fibers 16 andthe fiber stubs 94, 96 so that there is coaxial alignment and full-facecontact between these components. The resulting crimped splice resemblesthat formed using crimp elements commercially available from 3M Company,St. Paul, Minn. under the trade name FIBRLOK™. Further description ofcrimp elements of this type exists in U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,477 andrelated patents that are commonly owned with the present application.

[0057] A rectangular trough 116, formed in the molded top 110, providesa seat for a biasing element 120 and surrounds an adhesive injectionport 118 formed through a shroud catch 119. Adhesive, injected throughthe injection port 118, accumulates in the open-ended tray 99 toadhesively secure portions of the fiber stubs 94, 96 that pass the endsof open-ended tray 99 and become bonded by the adhesive as it curesduring exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The biasing element 120resists bending of the optical fiber stubs 94, 96 during insertion of anoptical fiber connector plug 70 into a mating socket (not shown) to forma face-to-face optical fiber connection that introduces a compressiveforce at the fiber-to-fiber interface.

[0058] A molded connecting portion 72, shown in FIG. 7 in exploded view,is normally factory assembled to include optical fiber stubs 94, 96secured, as described previously, using a photocurable adhesive injectedinto the open-ended tray 99 adjacent to the front ends 98, 100 of thecrimp elements 86, 88. Factory assembly using an interlocking mechanismto secure molded tops 110 to fiber containment bodies 74 providesconnecting portions 72 offering not only field termination of opticalfiber cables, but including preferred optical fiber stubs 94, 96,fabricated using GGP (glass/glass/polymer) fibers, that have greaterresistance to bending fracture than ordinary optical fibers. Regardlessof the type of optical fiber used in optical fiber network cables, aplug and socket connection benefits from the use of GGP optical fiberstubs 94, 96 even though the crimp splice inside the connecting portion72 of a connector plug 70 includes other optical fibers 16, i.e. non-GGPfibers, from the optical fiber cable 14. As supplied for attaching to aterminal portion of an optical fiber cable 14, the molded connectingportion 72, resides inside a two-part enclosure 122.

[0059]FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of a two-part enclosure 122according to the present invention including a bend relief boot 124 andprotective shroud 126. Before inserting cleaved and polished opticalfibers 16 into the connecting portion 72 of the optical fiber connectorplug 70, the bend relief boot 124, supplied with a connector plug 70assembly kit, is placed around the optical fiber cable 14, as shown inFIG. 7. Holding the stripped optical fibers 16 between thumb andforefinger, an installer introduces slight diverging separation betweenthe fibers 16 and then inserts them into the rear entry 78 of the moldedconnecting portion 72. Slight diverging separation of the optical fibers16 is needed to assist entry of the fibers 16 into one of the first 82or second 84 fiber grooves. Correctly positioned fibers 16 adopt thesame V-shaped relationship as the grooves 82, 84 into which they areinserted. Care is required while threading the stripped optical fiberspast the junction 80 to prevent cross-over of the optical fibers 16placing them in an X-shaped relationship and misdirecting light signalspassing through an optical fiber connector plug 70 of this type. Aftersuccessful insertion of optical fibers 16 in the fiber grooves 82, 84the optical fiber cable 14 enters the rear entry 78 and the end of eachoptical fiber 16 extends into the first 102 and second 104 rear ends ofthe crimp elements 86, 88 making face-to-face contact with the faces ofthe optical fiber stubs 94, 96 already securely positioned in the frontends 98, 100 of the crimp elements 86, 88. Final connection of theoptical fibers 16 requires application of downward force to thecompression element 114 to secure the optical fibers inside the crimpelements 86, 88. Upon completion of the splice between the strippedoptical fibers 16 and the optical fiber stubs 94, 96, adhesive, injectedthrough the injection orifice 121, bonds the KEVLAR™ fiber layer 123 ofthe optical cable 14 to the wall of the rear entry 78 to provide strainrelief. The bend relief boot 124 may then be slid forward along theoptical fiber cable 14 to grip and enclose a portion of the connectingportion 72 corresponding to the boundary with the front ends 98, 100 ofthe crimp elements 86, 88. Final assembly of the connector plug 70requires attachment of the protective shroud 126 by engagement betweenthe shroud aperture 117 and the shroud catch 119 to provide the two-partenclosure 122 that protects the connecting portion 72.

[0060]FIG. 9 provides an exploded perspective view of a secondembodiment of an optical fiber connector plug 270 according to thepresent invention including a molded connecting portion 272 thatincludes additional features to further increase the probability ofoptimal field assembly of a connector plug 270 according to the presentinvention. A connecting portion 272 comprises a fiber containment body274 including a structured floor 276. The structured floor 276 hasessentially the same features as the previously described structuredfloor 76 including a rear entry 78, extending to a junction 80 of afirst fiber groove 82 and a second fiber groove 84 and first 86 andsecond 88 crimp elements. In addition to these features, the fibercontainment body 274 further includes a tapered wall 277, molded intothe floor 276 between the first fiber groove 82 and the second fibergroove 84, to prevent crossover of optical fibers 16, thereby directingthem towards the correct crimp elements 86, 88 for maintaining opticalsignal integrity.

[0061] Other features in common with the previously described fibercontainment body 74 include a first fiber stub exit 90 parallel to andseparated from a second fiber stub exit 92. Each fiber stub exit 90, 92accommodates a factory installed optical fiber stub 94, 96 insertedthrough a stub channel 95, 97 for precise positioning, into the frontend 98, 100 of a crimp element 86, 88. As before, after insertion ofequal amounts of fiber stubs 94, 96 into the front ends 98, 100 of thecrimp elements 86, 88 approximately one half of the length of the boreof each of the crimp elements 86, 88 contains a portion of an opticalfiber stub 94, 96 adhesively secured at the ends of an open-ended tray99 adjacent to the front ends 98, 100 of the crimp elements 86, 88.

[0062] A molded top 210 placed over the fiber containment body 274completes a pre-assembled connecting portion 272 prepared for insertionof cleaved and stripped end portions of an optical fiber cable 14. Asdescribed previously, an interlocking mechanism provides secureattachment of a molded top 210 to a fiber containment body 274. FIG. 9clearly shows components used to interlock a molded top 210 with a fibercontainment body 274. The interlocking mechanism includes barbs 212 onopposing sides at the front of the top 210 that engage projections 214on the fiber containment body 274 to position clasps 216 at the rear ofthe top 210 so that they interlock with through-holes 218 as the moldedtop 210 folds down toward the containment body 274.

[0063] The molded top 210 includes the substantially rectangular hole112 to accommodate a compression element 114 that closes the crimpelements 86, 88 during the formation of crimp splices between opticalfibers 16 and optical fiber stubs 94, 96. A rectangular trough 116,formed in the molded top 210, surrounds an injection port 118 andprovides a seat for a biasing element 120 used to restrict movement ofthe optical fiber stubs 94, 96 after insertion of a connector plug 270into a connector receptacle (not shown).

[0064] Although similar to the molded top 110 described above, themolded top 210 of the second embodiment of an optical fiber plug 270further includes a longitudinal slot 278 extending from the rear entry78 approximately to the middle of the molded top 210. The slot 278provides better access to the grooves 82, 84, overcoming the possibilitythat fibers 16 inserted through the rear entry 78 will cross over asthey pass the junction 80. Optical fibers 16, placed in the slot 278,encounter the tapered wall 277 that protrudes into the slot 278 to keepthe fibers 16 separated and directed towards the grooves 82, 84 forcrimp splice formation to ensure optical signal integrity. Installationof stripped optical fibers 16 in the slot 278 preferably involvesgripping the fibers 16 between thumb and forefinger, as before, so thatthe fibers 16 diverge slightly from each other. This facilitatesplacement of the optical fibers 16 in the slot 278 and on either side ofthe tapered wall 277. After placing the stripped optical fibers 16 intheir respective grooves 82, 84, the jacketed portion of the opticalfiber cable 14 may be moved towards the rear entry 78 so that theoptical fibers 16 slide forward into the crimp elements 86, 88 and takeup the desired position abutting the ends of the optical fiber stubs 94,96. The distance between the point of insertion of the optical fibers 16and the crimp elements 86, 88, in this embodiment of an optical fiberconnector plug, is less than for the embodiment discussed previously.This is an added benefit, which lowers the possibility of unprotected,bare ends of the optical fiber 16 becoming damaged and chipped byinadvertent contact with the walls of the fiber grooves 82, 84 duringinsertion of the optical fibers 16 for splicing.

[0065]FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 provide a perspective view and schematic planview respectively of a pre-assembled connecting portion 272 prepared forinsertion of cleaved and stripped end portions of an optical fiber cable14. Using this version of a connecting portion 272 of a connector plug270 according to the present invention, the tips of cleaved and polishedoptical fibers 16 may be positioned above the tapered wall 277 andlowered into the slot 278 so that they fall on either side of thetapered wall 277. Thus separated, the optical fibers 16 maintain thedivergent relationship needed for accurate placement of the strippedoptical fibers 16 in the fiber grooves 82, 84. Using the fiber cable 14to move the optical fibers 16 further into the connecting portion 272,the tips of the optical fibers 16 follow the fiber grooves 82, 84 beforeentering the crimp elements 86, 88. Resistance to further movementindicates that there is abutment between the end faces of the opticalfibers 16 and the fiber stubs 94, 96. Movement of the compressionelement 114 from its fiber-load position to its crimp position capturesthe ends of the optical fibers 16 and the fiber stubs 94, 96 to providea crimp splice as described previously. As before, formation of anadhesive bond between the KEVLAR™ fibers 123 of the optical fiber cable14 and the walls of the rear entry 78 of the connecting portion 272provides strain relief between the cable 14 and a connector plug 270according to the present invention.

[0066]FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a fiber containment body 274 ofa connector plug 270 showing the relative locations of the end of thejacketed cable 14, the stripped optical fibers 16 and particularly therelationship of the compression element 114 to the crimp elements 86,88. As illustrated, the end of the optical fiber cable 14 occupies therear entry 78 of the fiber containment body 274 with terminal portionsof the stripped optical fibers 16 residing in the first fiber groove 82and the second fiber groove 84 and extending into the crimp elements 86,88 after diverging by separation at the tapered wall 277. Application ofpressure to the compression element 114 produces a crimp splice betweeneach optical fiber 16 and its respective factory installed fiber stub94, 96. The diagram of FIG. 12 shows that the compression element 114applies force to form crimp splices between the front ends 98, 100 andrear ends 102, 104 of the crimp elements 86, 88.

[0067]FIG. 13 provides a perspective cut-away view taken through line13-13 of FIG. 11 to show a factory assembled connecting portion 272 of aconnector plug 270 according to the present invention. As illustrated,the compression element 114 is in its fiber-load position that allowsthe terminal portions of optical fibers 16 to enter the crimp elements86, 88 unimpeded. This view also reveals a plug latch 280 used as ameans for retaining a connector plug 270 in secure mating relationshipwith a connector receptacle.

[0068]FIG. 14 provides an exploded perspective view of a thirdembodiment of an optical fiber connector plug 370 suitable for fieldinstallation in situations where termination of an optical fiber cable14 does not require installer dexterity associated with feeding strippedterminal portions of optical fibers 16 into channels 82, 84 or a slot278 formed in pre-assembled connecting portions 72, 272 describedpreviously. Instead, an installer has the option of field terminatingone or more optical fibers 16 by applying a permanent fiber positioner380 that may be used with a polishing puck 10 in place of thedemountable, temporary optical fiber holder 18 described above. Apermanent fiber positioner 380 includes a base-plate 330 connected to acover-plate 340 in such a way that the positioner 380 is difficult tore-open after preparing the cable 14, to remove sheath and buffer layersand inserting the terminal portions of optical fibers 16 throughchannels in the positioner 380 and openings in the puck guide plate 24.After preparation for substantially permanent attachment of the two-partfiber positioner 380, the optical fiber cable 14 may be installed in thepuck 10, immobilized therein after latching the rotatable lid 26 (seee.g. FIG. 5 or FIG. 6). Cleaving and polishing of the terminal portionsof the optical fibers 16, protruding from the face of the guide plate24, proceeds with the optical fibers held immobile using the opticalfiber positioner 380. The cleaving and polishing device and process, inthis case, is no different to those used with the temporary holder 18that was illustrated in e.g. FIG. 5. As before the cleaving andpolishing process is capable of producing multiple fibers of equallength for insertion into a connecting section 372 of a connector plug370 according to the present invention.

[0069] The cable 14 may be removed from the puck 10, with the opticalfiber positioner 380 attached, after the lid 26 has been unlatched androtated away from the housing 12. With removal of the jacketed cablefrom the resilient pad 21, the fiber positioner 380 may be lifted out ofthe recess and retained on the end of the optical fiber cable 14. Thismaintains a parallel relationship between the terminal portions ofoptical fibers 16 before insertion into the molded connecting portion372 of a connector plug 370. Adhesive, injected through a bonding port321 bonds KEVLAR™ strands (not shown), surrounding the sheathed opticalfibers 16, to the optical fiber positioner 380 to provide strain relieffor the optical fiber cable 14.

[0070] A molded connecting portion 372 includes features for optimalfield assembly of a connector plug 370 according to the presentinvention. A connecting portion 372 comprises a fiber containment body374 including a structured floor 376. A factory pre-assembled connectingportion 372 includes, as before, adhesively bonded GGP optical fiberstubs 94, 96. In this embodiment the rear entry 378 has been modified toaccommodate the fiber positioner 380 that pre-positions the strippedoptical fibers 16 in parallel relationship. Also, in this embodimentthere is no need for a junction or diverging fiber grooves because theoptical fibers 16, held parallel by the fiber positioner 380, have therequired alignment to feed directly into the crimp elements 386, 388that now have a parallel relationship to one another in correspondingelongate depressions 385, 387. In common with earlier embodiments of thepresent invention, a compression element 114 operates between afiber-load position and a crimp position to adjust the bore size of eachcrimp element 386, 388 for formation of a splice of the optical fibers16 in abutment with the fiber stubs 94, 96. After inserting an opticalfiber positioner 380 in the rear entry 378, and actuating thecompression element 114 to its splice-forming crimp position, the bendrelief boot 124 and shroud 126 may be moved into position to enclose theconnecting portion 372 and complete the field assembly of the connectorplug 370. The size of the optical fiber positioner 380 requires anincrease in the overall size of this embodiment of a connector plug 370,which may be a disadvantage compared to earlier embodiments of thepresent invention. Regardless of size, this version of a connector plug370 is useful for facilitating field termination of optical fibercables.

[0071] As required, details of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary and not to be interpreted as limiting, but merelyas a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching oneskilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical fiber connector plug for mating withan optical fiber receptacle to form an optical fiber connection, saidoptical fiber connector plug comprising: a connecting portioncomprising: a containment body including a rear entry formed therein ata first end thereof and a first fiber stub exit opening to a first fiberstub channel, said first fiber stub exit being parallel to a secondfiber stub exit opening to a second fiber stub channel, said first andsecond fiber stub exits being formed at a second end opposite said firstend of said containment body, said rear entry dividing at a junctioninto a first fiber groove and a second fiber groove diverging from saidfirst fiber groove; a first crimp element having an open-ended borecoaxial with said first fiber groove; a second crimp element having anopen-ended bore coaxial with said second fiber groove; a first fiberstub inserted along said first fiber stub channel to enter said firstcrimp element; a second fiber stub inserted along said second fiber stubchannel to enter said second crimp element; a molded top attached tosaid containment body said molded top including a substantiallyrectangular opening located between a first end portion and an opposingsecond end portion; and a compression element positioned in saidsubstantially rectangular opening for movement between a first positionand a second position to apply force to each of said first crimp elementand said second crimp element, said compression element occupying saidfirst position for width adjustment of each said bore, of said firstcrimp element and said second crimp element, to receive a stripped,cleaved and polished end portion of at least one optical fiber, saidcompression element occupying said second position for splicing saidfirst fiber stub with the stripped, cleaved and polished end portion ofthe optical fiber in said first crimp element and splicing said secondfiber stub with the stripped, cleaved and polished end portion of theoptical fiber in said second crimp element; a biasing element having afirst resilient finger parallel with a second resilient finger, saidresilient fingers restricting movement of said first fiber stub and saidsecond fiber stub after mating of said connector plug with said opticalfiber receptacle; a bend relief boot having an opening therethrough toenclose said first end of said containment body and said first endportion of said molded top; and a shroud releasably engaged over saidsecond end of said containment body and said opposing second end portionof said molded top.
 2. An optical fiber connector plug for mating withan optical fiber receptacle to form an optical fiber connection, saidoptical fiber connector plug comprising: a connecting portioncomprising: a containment body including a structured floor having arear entry formed therein at a first end thereof and a first fiber stubexit opening to a first fiber stub channel, said first fiber stub exitbeing parallel to a second fiber stub exit opening to a second fiberstub channel, said first and second fiber stub exits being formed at asecond end opposite said first end of said structured floor, said rearentry dividing at a junction into a first fiber groove and a secondfiber groove diverging from said first fiber groove, said structuredfloor further including an open-ended tray, a first elongate depressionand a second elongate depression, said first elongate depression locatedbetween said first fiber groove and said first fiber stub channel incoaxial alignment therewith, said second elongate depression locatedbetween said second fiber groove and said second fiber stub channel incoaxial alignment therewith, said open-ended tray communicating with andperpendicular to said first fiber stub channel and said second fiberstub channel; a first crimp element having a front end and a rear endand further including an open-ended bore coaxial with said first fibergroove, said first crimp element having restricted movement in saidfirst elongate depression; a second crimp element having a front end anda rear end and further including an open-ended bore coaxial with saidsecond fiber groove, said second crimp element having restrictedmovement in said second elongate depression; a first fiber stub insertedalong said first fiber stub channel to enter said front end of saidfirst crimp element when said compression element is in said firstposition, said first fiber stub adhesively bonded to an end of saidopen-ended channel; a second fiber stub inserted along said second fiberstub channel to enter said front end of said second crimp element whensaid compression element is in said first position, said second fiberstub adhesively bonded to an opposing end of said open-ended channel; amolded top attached to said containment body said molded top including asubstantially rectangular opening located between a first end portionand an opposing second end portion, said first end portion including aninjection orifice, said second end portion having a rectangular troughformed therein to surround an injection port formed through a shroudcatch; and a compression element positioned in said substantiallyrectangular opening to apply force to each of said first crimp elementand said second crimp element, said compression element occupying afirst position to narrow each said bore of said first crimp element andsaid second crimp element for receiving a stripped, cleaved and polishedend portion of at least one optical fiber, said compression elementthereafter occupying a second position to grip the stripped, cleaved andpolished end portion of the at least one optical fiber, received in eachsaid bore, at each said rear end of each of said first crimp element andsaid second crimp element; a biasing element seated in said rectangulartrough, said biasing element having a first resilient finger parallelwith a second resilient finger, said resilient fingers restrictingmovement of said first fiber stub and said second fiber stub aftermating of said optical fiber connector plug with said optical fiberreceptacle; a bend relief boot having an opening therethrough to enclosesaid first end of said containment body and said first end portion ofsaid molded top; and a shroud releasably engaged over said second end ofsaid containment body and said opposing second end portion of saidmolded top.